Event overview
Goldsmiths Psychology is delighted to welcome Dr Gustav Khun, University of Plymouth, to present his research on: The science of magic – News from the West
Abstract: Magic is a performance art that lets us experience the seemingly impossible. At the MAGIC-lab, we study magic scientifically to understand how easily the human mind can be manipulated and to apply these principles beyond the magic trick itself. The Science of Magic has grown into a distinct research field, demonstrating how the ancient art of conjuring can contribute to psychological theories and knowledge. In this talk, I will critically evaluate three central ideas in this emerging discipline:
1. The methods used in magic can be integrated into experimental research.
2. Magicians possess unique insights into human cognition and behaviour.
3. Deconstructing magic tricks can reveal novel psychological principles and mechanisms.
I will also address a significant challenge for researchers—the secrecy inherent in magic—and suggest ways to balance this with the transparency required in science.
In the final part of the talk, I will present projects that use mentalism techniques to enhance placebo effects, explore beliefs in pseudoscience, and investigate how mind-reading robots can shape our understanding of beliefs about Robots and AI.
Biography: Gustav Kuhn is a psychologist and magician whose work bridges the gap between the science of the mind and the art of illusion. With a background in both performance magic and cognitive psychology, Gustav brings a unique perspective to the study of human perception, attention, and belief. He leads the MAGIC-lab (Mind, Attention, and General Illusions in Cognition) at the University of Plymouth, where he explores how magic can unlock deeper insights into how our minds work, revealing the surprising ways in which we interpret and interact with the world.
As both a researcher and a performer, Gustav is passionate about using the principles of magic not only to entertain but also to illuminate complex psychological phenomena. His innovative work has helped establish the Science of Magic as an interdisciplinary field, inspiring scientists, magicians, and educators alike to rethink the boundaries of human cognition.
Gustav completed his PhD at the University of Sussex, and has held academic positions at The University of Durham, Brunel, Goldsmiths, University of London. He is also member of the Magic Circle, the president of the Science of Magic Association and one of the leading researchers in the science of magic. Gustav has published more than 100 scientific articles, and two highly acclaimed books on the psychology of magic.
Click here to join the seminar on Teams
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Jan 2025 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm |
Accessibility
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